The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently exempted the five-day isolation protocol for those in the US who test positive for COVID-19. The report recommends people return to everyday activities 24 hours after their fever subsides. However, they must maintain a safe distance from others and wear masks for the first five days.
COVID-19 can be addressed like the flu
Dr Netto George Mundadan, assistant professor, department of infectious diseases, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, says COVID-19, which has been around for almost four years now, is not considered a global emergency anymore. Hence, the safety protocols don’t need to be that stringent. “We have either built enough immunity against the virus or its severity has reduced. Whatever the case may be, we are familiar with the virus and have an idea how to tackle it. Hence, at this stage, isolation isn’t required; the precautionary measures we take when we have the flu would suffice,” he reassures.
Doctors also share that severe cases of COVID are not often encountered now, thanks to natural exposure to the virus, vaccination and booster doses. A recently published CDC report states that acute cases of the infection have significantly decreased since 2020 and 2021. Hospital admissions in the US have come down by more than 60%, falling from over 2.5 million to around 900,000 in 2023.
Additionally, mortality rates have dipped more drastically than hospitalizations. While there were over 450,000 deaths associated with COVID-19 in 2021, the same was approximately 75,000 in 2023, corresponding to an 83% decrease.
Vulnerable people must be cautious
Despite the recent individualized protocol, the CDC has not revoked its COVID-19 guidelines at healthcare facilities and nursing homes due to the presence of high-risk people; they include senior citizens, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. “Such vulnerable people would require some form of protection. Hence, healthcare facilities should have sufficient protective gear, especially in large population setups. However, this applies to seasonal influenza as well. I would not think this is something different for the currently circulating strain of Coronavirus,” says Dr Mihir Gangakhedkar, consultant, pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai.
The CDC specifies that those susceptible must get tested immediately if they develop any respiratory symptoms or illnesses. In the case of a confirmed diagnosis, they should adhere to the anti-viral treatments. “Navigating isolation protocols can be challenging for those who test positive for COVID as well as people close to them. Hence, it’s best to receive the vaccination or boosters and move forward,” says Dr George.
Taking precautions for self and others
Advising against a laid-back approach, experts recommend those testing positive for the virus rest and take the necessary precautions before getting on with their everyday lives. “The virus is mostly spread by a symptomatic person. Hence, it’s vital to take a couple of days off, regardless of the illness, before going back to work or any public place. Not doing so can cause you to spread the virus to an immunocompromised person, which can be concerning for them,” cautions Dr Gangakhedkar.
Amid the changing guidelines, experts recommend being aware of any updates and following the protocols accordingly. “Wearing a mask may not be necessary unless you show symptoms. However, if the government issues any safety guidelines due to rising cases, they must be followed,” says Dr George.
Takeaways
The CDC has announced that people in the US who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to isolate for five days, allowing them to resume daily activities 24 hours after the fever subsides. The drastic decline in hospitalization and mortality rates is cited as the reason for withdrawing such strict measures. However, experts say that certain people — including senior citizens, young children and pregnant women — must get tested at the earliest if they develop any flu-like symptoms. Additionally, those who test positive for the virus must rest and take the necessary precautions before returning to work or visiting public places.
